Machinery for making containers



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MACHINERY FOR MAKING CONTAINERS Original Filed Feb. 4, 1957 12 Sheets-Sheet l @j ii.

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MACHINERY FOR MAKING CONTAINERS June 23, 1942.

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MACHINERY FOR MAKING CONTAINERS Original Filed Feb. 4, 1937 12 Sheets-Sheet 12 mkwmw iELZ/BUZ'JOT: lvkawhousz Patented June23, 1942 UNITED STATES BATENT F FICE Walter F. Newhousc, Benton Harbor, Mich.

Continuation of application Serial No. 123,960,. I February 4, 1937. This application September 16, 1939, Serial No. 295,172

15 Claims.

tain portions in horizontal section, of certain portions of the machine.

Fig. 21 is a vertical section on line 2l2l in Fig. 20 of the drawings.

Fig. 22 is an enlarged sectional view, more or less diagrammatic in character, illustrating the method of forming and stapling the materials.

Fig. 23 is a fragmentary detail sectional view I of a portion of the structure shown in Fig. 22 of by a cheese-box or other container of a similar nature may be made or fabricated entirely on a single machine.

It is also an object to provide certain details and features of construction and combinations tending to increase the general efliciency and the desirability of a cheese-box machine, or machine for making similar containers, of this particular character.

To the foregoing and other useful ends, the invention consists in matters hereinafter set forth and claimed and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which- I Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a cheese-box machine involving the principles of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of said machine.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary detail view of a portion of said machinev Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing the parts of the machine in different positions.

the drawings.

Fig. 24 is a detail sectional view of the elements for forming the materials into box form, illustrating the method of incorporating the fixed head or bottom in the lower end of the box.

Fig. 25 is a similar view of the same parts of the machine, but showing the same in operation Fig. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal or axial section of the machine,with certain portions shown broken away for convenience of illustration.

Fig. 6 is a vertical transverse section on line 66 in Fig. 1 of the drawings.

Fig. '7 is a similar view on line 1-1 in Fig. 1 of the drawings,

Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are detail sections on a larger scale, and Fig. 11 is a detail section on line H-H in Fig. 9 of the drawings.

Figs. 12 and 13 are fragmentary detail sectional views of certain portions of the machine, and Fig, 14 is a detail section on line l4|4 in Fig. 12 of the drawings.

Figs. 15 and 16 are detail perspective views Fig. 20 is a fragmentary plan view, with cer- 55 for the making of the cover of the box.

Fig. 26 is a perspective of the cheese-box viewed from the bottom, with the top cover removed.

Fig. 27 is a perspective of the said cover, the latter being shown upside down.

Fig. 28 is an enlarged detail section of a portion of said cover.

Fig. 29 is an enlarged detail section of a portion of the said cylindrical box or container.

Fig. 30 is a fragmentary section of portions of the complete box, including the cover thereof, showing the latter in position to close the top of the box.

The product made by this machine consists of a cheese-box A and a cover B therefor, as shown in Figs. 26-30. The box A comprises a circular bottom C, a cylindrical wall D extending upwardly from the bottom C, an inner hoop E, and an outer. hoop F. Secured to the under side of bottom C, is a batten G, the ends of which latter are spaced inwardly from the edge of bottom C, to provide room for the inner hoop between the wall D and the batten ends. wall D is made from a rectangular sheet of wood wound around the bottom C and having overlapping end portions which are secured together by a row of staples H. The hoop E, positioned against the inner surface of wall D'and flush with the bottom edge thereof, engages the edge portion of the lower side of bottom C and forms a support therefor. The outer hoop F is wound around the lower edge of the wall D and is wide enough to overlie both the inner hoop E and the edge of bottom C.

A row of staples I is driven into the lower por- The cylindrical wall D, and into the bottom C, and the lower leg passes through the outer hoop F, through the wall D, through the inner hoop E, and is bent over as shown in Fig. 30. The lower legs of staples I, opposite the batten ends, pass through the hoop F, through the wall D, through the hoop E, and into the batten as shown in Fig. 29.

The hoop F, the wall D, and the hoop E, each have overlapping ends which are arranged in offset or echelon relation with respect to each other so that the outer overlapping end of hoop E abuts the inner end of wall D, and the outer overlapping end of wall D abuts the inner end of hoop F, as shown in Fig. 26.

The cover B, adapted to fit over and close the cheese-box as shown in' Fig. 30, comprises a circular top wall J, a sheet wound around and extending downwardly from the top wall J forming a band K, and an inner hoop L, as shown.

Secured to the under side ofthe top wall J, is a batten M, the ends of which terminate short of the edge of the top J. The hoop L engages the inner surface of band K and the under side of top wall J and forms a support for the latter. The band K has overlapping ends which are secured together by a staple N and which are offset with respect to the overlapping ends of hoop L, as shown in Fig. 27.

A row of staples O is driven into the cover to hold together the top wall J, the hoop L, and the band K. The upper legs of staples pass through the band K and into the top wall J, while the lower legs of the staples pass through the band K, through the hoop L, and are bent over as shown in Fig. 30. In the staples opposite the batten ends, the lower legs of staples 0 pass through band K, through hoop L, and into the batten M, as shown in Fig. 28.

The machine shown in Figs. 1 to 25 comprises a base upstanding frame members 2 and 3 supporting a hollow rotatable shaft 4, a form 5 mounted on the forward projecting end of the shaft, a movable gate 6 for holding the bottom in place against the end of form 5, a table for supporting and guiding the wall sheet D, and the hoops E and F. onto the form, an oscillating stapler 8 for stapling or fastening the wall D to the bottom C, a stationary stapler 9 for stapling or fastening together the overlapping ends of wall D, and instrumentalities for operating the parts mentioned.

The form 5 comprises a plurality of substantially complete rings or disc members I0, II and I2. spaced apart on and secured to a sleeve l3 which is loosely mounted on the shaft. the three rings forming a substantially cylindrical form or mandrel about which the wall sheet D is wound. A bar l4. having a laterally projecting thin portion and a radial portion forming an abutment 5, is secured to the disc members 10, If and |2, and forms the stationary member of a gripper I6. Gripping fingers I! for clamping the end of wall sheet D against the bar H, are mounted on a rock shaft |8. The rock shaft I8 is carried by the disc members IO, N and I2, and is normally urged by a spring IS in a direction to close the gripper, one end of the spring being fixed to the disc H, and the other end being connected to an arm 20 which is fixed to the shaft |8. as shown in Figs. 5 and 21. The lever 2|, secured to one end of the rock shaft I8, is adapted to be moved downwardly to open the gripper jaw, and a spring pressed pawl 22, pivoted at 23 on the disc l2, and having a tail 24, is adapted to engage the reduced end of the lever 2| and hold same in lower posiin the disc I0.

tion. (See Figs. 1'7 and 18.) The hardened clincher block 25, against which the staples H, driven by the stapler 9, are clinched, is mounted A bar 26 is fastened to the disc ill flush with the periphery thereof and extending rearwardly in alignment with the clinch block 25 to provide a smooth supporting surface on the clinch block for the wall D of box.

Each of the disc members ofrings II and I2 is made in two pieces or segments 28 and 29, the former being fixed 0n the sleeve l3, and one end of the latter being pivoted at 30 to the segment 28. The outer end of segment 29 is connected to a link 3 I, which is connected to an arm 32, which is fixed to shaft l8 and forms an extension of the gripper finger 11, as shown in Figs. 21, 17 and 18. The links 3| and arms 32 form a toggle which operates, when the shaft I8 is turned in one direction, to move the segment 29 inwardly about the pivot 30 to, in effect, reduce the circumference of discs H and I2 and thus facilitate the removal of the box A therefrom.

The form 5 is loosely mounted on the shaft 4 and is locked thereto for rotation by a clutch 34, which latter comprises a clutch member in they form of a ratchet 35 keyed to the shaft 4, and a pawl 36 pivotally carried by the disc l2 and engageable with the ratchet 35. One end of a link 31 is connected to the pawl 36, and the other end is pivoted to an extension 38 of the lever 2|, so that the pawl 36 is disengaged from the ratchet 35 when the lever 2| is turned to open the gripper l6 and move the segments 29 inwardly. A washer 40, secured to the shaft 4, prevents axial displacement of the form 5 in one direction. and the ratchet 35 prevents displacement in the other direction.

A lever 240, fulcrumed at 4| and having a 1at-.

to rest at the end of one cycle of rotary movement, as shown in Fig. 18. The lever end 42, is adapted to move downwardly and engage the lever 2| and move it downwardly until it engages and is held by the pawl 22. The other end of the lever 240 is connected to one end of a link 43, the other end of which latter is connected to one end of a lever 44, and the other end of lever 44 is fastened to a sleeve 45, which latter at one end thereof has secured thereto a foot pedal 46 by which this sleeve is rocked. The sleeve 45 is telescoped over a shaft 41 and both are journaled in bearing blocks 48, as shown.

A T-shaped lever 5|, fixed to a shaft 52, is adapted to be moved into engagement with the tail 24 of pawl 22 to rock-the pawl about its pivot and release the lever 2|. (See Figs. 1, 6 and 17.) The shaft 52, supported by' the frame members 2 and 3, has fixed thereon a l'ever;:53 which is connected through a link54 totaf levr 55. The lowerend of lever 55 is fixed toithe shaft ,41, which latter has secured-thereto and is rocked in one direction by afoot pedal 56,. and

which is moved in the other direction by a spring 51. (See Fig. 1.)

The gate 6, comprising a disc 60 and an annular guide 6|, is carried by an arm 62 pivoted at 63 to a bracket 64, which latter is fixed to a raised portion 65 of base The gate is adapted to be moved from the lowered or horizontal position (see Fig. 4) to a raised or vertical position, co-axial with shaft 4 (see Fig. 1), where it cooperates with the form to hold parts of the cheese-box in positionwhile the box is being fabricated. To counterbalance the gate 6, the arm 62 is formed with an enlarged end 66, which latter is provided with a projection 61 adapted to engage a spring-pressed pawl 68 for holding the gate in a raised position. The pawl 68 is formed with a pedal 69 which is depressed to release the gate and permit it to be lowered. When in lowered position, the gate rests on a stop pin 26, as shown in Fig. 4.

The disc 68 is rotatably carried by the arm 62 and is provided with a substantially flat face 'II and a groove I2 extending diametrically across the face of the disc. A bottom board 0 is adapted to fit against face II of disc 68 with the batten G fitting in the groove I2. The dies 68 is further provided with a circumferential notch or rabbet I3 having a shoulder I4, except where intercepted by the groove I2, against which shoulder one end of some of the staples I are deflected or clinched, as shown in Fig. 24. The circumferential rabbet I3 and the edge portion of bottom board C, when in place, form a groove for receiving and positioning the inner hoop E. A plurality of pins 15, having sharp projecting apertures I82 ends, are carried by the disc 68 and are adapted to engage the bottom board C and prevent lateral displacement thereof. In order to position the disc 68 so that the groove 12, and therefore the batten of bottom 0, are correctly positioned, the disc is provided with a spring-pressed detent I6 that fits into a shallowirecess I! in the fixed .plate 18.

The annular guide member 6| is formed integral with the transverse plate 18 and is rigidly secured, concentric with the disc 60, to the arm 62. The cylindrical wall of guide 6I is spaced from the edge of the disc 68 and is provided with a notch 19 for the stapler 9 and a larger opening 88 to permit the passage therethrough of the hoop strips E and .F and the wall D and to permit the operation of stapler 8-. A pair of tracks 8I, forming a groove 82, is provided adjacent the opening ,88 to direct the forward end; of the inner hoop E during the formation of the cheesebox. A handle 83 is secured to the plate I8 to facilitate the manual movement of the gate 6.

The table I (see Figs. 1, 2, 17, .18, 20 and 21) extends laterally from the form 5 and is supported by rods 84. It is inclined upwardly toward the upper side of the form 5, being substantially tangential thereto. The table comprises a plate upon which is mounted a fixed angle bar 86, accurately aligned relative to form 5, and an adjustable angle bar 81. A short plate 88, carried bythe upper end of table, is spaced above and projects beyond the plate 85 and serves to guide the sheet D into the gripper I6 of the form 5, as shown in Fig. 21. A recessed guide member 89 is secured, above the plate 88, to the angle bar 86 and serves to guide the strip for the outer hoop F. A spring-pressed finger 98 is mounted in guide 89 to press the hoop strip against the angle bar 86 to insure its proper alignment. The inner'hoop guide 92 is fastened, adjacent the form 5, to the under side of plate 85, and in vertical alignment with the vertical wall of angle bar 86. A channel bar 93, located behind and in alignment with the guide 92. supports the rear portion of the hoop strip E.

The stapler 8 (see Figs. 1, 2 and 22) is posi- I connected at 3 tom 0 and hoops Eand F. It is adapted to oscillate about the shaft 4 and move a short distance with the form 5, while-each staple is being inserted, at the/same speed of rotation of the form, to drive a row of staples I into the cheese-box while the form 5 is being rotated. In this way, the stapler 8 and form rotate a distance in unison each time a staple is inserted. The stapler is mounted on an overhanging-bracket adjustably secured to the upper end of an oscillatable frame 96, which is fulcrumed on the shaft 4. The stapler 8 and the wire feed 91 are connected to and operated by an arm 98 adjustably secured to the upper guide rod 98 of a yoke I88. The yoke I88 has a lower guide rod I8I which, together with the upper guide rod 99, pass through in the ofl'set portions I83 and I84 of frame 96 (see Figs. 1, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10) Slidably engagingthe parallel bars of the yoke I88, is' a block I85 apertured to receive an accentric I86 which, when rotated, imparts a reciprocating motion through the block I85 tothe yoke I88.

In the oifset'portion I83 of the frame 96, a block I8! is pivoted, which is engaged by a bifurcated end of a yoke I88. The yoke I88 encloses the shaft 4 and has its lower end pivoted at I89 to the frame 2. A block II8 'isslidably mounted in the yoke I 88 and is-apertured to receive an eccentric I I I, which isadjustably secured to the eccentric I86 by bolt I I2 and pin I I3. The eccentric III is provided with an arcuate slot II4 to receive the bolt II2, an arcuate slot I I5 to receive the shaft 4, and the pin. II3 which projects into an aperture in eccentric I86 and about which the eccentric III pivots when adjustments are made. As the eccentric III is oscillated about its pivot I89 and through the sliding connection with the block I8I it imparts an oscillating movement to the frame 86. Since the eccentrics I86 and III are secured and rotate together, the yoke I88 is reciprccated in the frame 96 in timed relation to the oscillations of the frame 96. The parts are so timed that the staple I is driven during the movement inwardly or toward the vertical of the stapler 8.

The stapler 9, for'stapling the overlapping ends of the wall D of the box, is mounted on the overrotates, the yoke I88 hanging end portion of a horizontal frame member II8, adjustably secured to the upper end of the frame members 3 and II9,as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The stapler 9 and the wire feed I28 are connected by a link I2I to one end of a walking beam I22 fulcrumed at I23 to the frame H8. The other end of walking beam I22 is pivotally I24 to the upper guide rod I25 of a yoke I26. The yoke is provided with a lower guide rod I21 which, together with upper rod I25, are slidably supported by the frame H9. The yoke. I26 slidably engages a block I28 apertured to receive an eccentric I29 for imparting a reciprocating movement to the yoke I26.

A plunger I38 is provided for advancing the box intermittently, longitudinally of the form 5, to correctly position the box relative to the stapler 9 during the operation of stapling the overlapping ends of the wall D, and the plunger also removes the box from the form 5. The

plunger I38 (see Figs. 4, 5. 24 and 25) is in the form'bf head or disc I3I, normally fitting within a recess in the .disc.I8,'and is secured to one end of a rod I32 which is slidably mounted in the hollow shaft 4. The rear end of the rod I32 projects beyond the shaft 4 and is provided with annular ratchet teeth I33, which are normally engaged by a spring-pressed pawl I34, having a releasing arm I35. The pawl I34 is pivotally carried by one end of a bell crank lever I36 fulcrumed at I31 on the frame 3. The other end of the bell crank lever I36 is connected at I38 to the lower guide rod I21 of the yoke I26 so that, as the yoke reciprocates, the bell crank lever oscillates to feed the plunger forwardly.

By the up-stroke of the yoke I26, the stapler 9 is operated through walking beam 22 to drive a staple H into the wall D of the box; and the bell crank lever I36 is rocked to move pawl I34 behind the next ratchet tooth I33 on the rod I32. By the down-stroke of the yoke I26, the mechanism of stapler 9 is returned and the bell crank I36 is oscillated to advance the plunger I30 the length of one ratchet tooth I33.

In order to permit the manual return of theplunger I30, an arm I40 is adapted to be moved against the arm I35 to disengage the pawl I34 from the ratchet teeth I33, (See Fig. 4.) The arm I40 is fixed to one end of the rock shaft I4I, which is mounted on the side of the frame 3. A lever I42, fixed to the other end of the rock shaft MI, is connected through a link I43, a bell crank I44, a link I45, to a foot pedal I46. The depression of the foot pedal I46 is adapted to rock the arm I40 in one direction, and a spring I41 is provided to restore it.

A guide member I49 (see Figs. 2, 17, 18, 20, 21 and 22) in the form of a bar having a sharp lower edge I50, is fixed to one end of a pair of arms II, which are fastened to a rock shaft I52. The shaft I52 is mounted in brackets I53, which are fastened to the frame H8. The guide I49-is moved up to. and maintained, in a raised position, spaced from the form 5, by a wedge or cam I54 carried by the guide member 6I of the gate 6. A spring I55, connected at one end to the frame IIB, and at the other to a lever I56, fastened to the shaft I52, urges the guide member I49 downwardly. As the gate 6 is moved down away from the form 5, the guide member I49 is moved into engagement with the wall D of the box and acts to prevent the unwinding or lateral movement of one end of the wall sheet D, whilepermitting (See Fig.

rollers are positioned in longitudinal alignment with the stapler 9 and directly over the overlapping ends of the wall sheet D, when the wall sheet D comes to rest after being wound on the form 5. The rollers I59 aid in preventing the separation of the overlapping ends of the wall sheet D while the box is being intermittently advan 'ed under the stapler 9.

The sleeve I63 (see Fig. 5), formed as an integral extension of the eccentric I 06, is loosely mounted on the shaft 4 and has keyed thereon a clutch block I64 of ,a clutch I65 and a spider arm I66. The sleeve I63 has loosely mounted thereon, and forms a support for, the oscillating frame 96, the eccentric I29, a clutch block I61 of a clutch I68, and a pulley I positioned between the clutch blocks I64 and I61. The clutch block I61 is keyed to the eccentric I29 at I69, as shown. The sleeve I63 drives the shaft 4, in timed relation, through planetary reduction gearing I12. A gear I13, keyed to the shaft 4, meshes with a gear I14 of a gear cluster which rotates about a shaft I and is carried by the spider I66. The other gear I16 of cluster I16 is larger than the gear I14 and meshes with a preliminary gear I11 secured to the frame 3 by bolts I18. In the construction shown, the spider I66 carries two gear clusters diametrically opposite each other.

When the spider I66 is rotated about the shaft 4,

the gear clusters are carried therewith around the stationary gear I11, which causes each gear cluster to rotate about its axis, which imparts a rotary movement to the gear I13 and the shaft 4.

The pulley I10 is driven by'a belt (not shown) from a-suitable source of power and has a large hub provided, on opposite faces thereof, with recesses I80 and I8I. (See Figs. 5, 12, 13 and 14.) The pulley hub and recesses therein form the driving member of the clutches I65 and I68.

Spring-pressed clutch pins I82 and I83 are slidably mounted in the clutch blocks I64 and I61, respectively, and are urged toward the hub of the pulley I10 and into the recesses. The clutch pins are held out of engagement with the recesses in the hub of the pulley by pin-retracting members I 84 and I85, which are pivoted on pins I86 and connected to links I81 and I88, respectively. The pins- I86 are carried by supporting members I 89 fixed to the frame I90. Brake bands I9I, connected to supporting members I89, are provided for each clutch I68 and I65. The link I81 is connected to the lever 51 previously described, which is moved by the foot pedal 56, and the link I88 is connected to a lever I92, which is fined to the sleeve 45, previously described, and which is moved in one direction by the foot pedal 46 and returned by a spring I93. When the member I85 is moved away from the clutch pin I82, the pin is moved into engagement with the recess I80 in the hub of the pulley I10 and effects a driving connection between the pulley and the clutch block I61. When the member I85 is returned to its normal position, as shown in Fig. 12, the clutch pin is retracted and the clutch I68 is disengaged. The operation of clutch I65 is the same as that of clutch I68 just described.

Thus, by depressing the foot pedal 46, the clutch I 68 is engaged, which rotates the eccentric I29, which reciprocates the yoke I26 to oper ate the stapler 9 and intermittently advance the plunger I30. The lever 40 is also moved by the depression of the pedal '46. By depressing the foot pedal 56, the clutch I65 is engaged, which rotates the sleeve I63 and eccentrics I06 and III, which effects the operation of the stapler 8 and the oscillation of the stapler supporting frame 96, the rotation of sleeve I63 also driving the shaft 4, through the planetary gearing I12,'

and effecting the rotation of the form 5. The T-shaped lever 5| is also moved by the depression of the pedal 56.

The clutch I68 or I65 remains engaged for one or more complete revolutions, depending on the length of time the operator keeps the foot pedal depressed.

To prevent the clutch I68 from being engaged and, through its associated drive, advancing the plunger I30 while the gate 6 is in its vertical position, an interlock between the gate 6 and the clutch operating mechanism is provided. This interlock takes the form of an arm I95, which is fixed to the sleeve 45 and which is adapted to strike against a projection I96 of the counterweight 66 when the gate 6 isup and thus prevent the turning of the sleeve 45 and the engagement of the clutch I 68. (See Figs. 1 and 2.)

In the operation of the machine, the gate 6 is brought to an open or horizontal position; with the groove 12 in the disc 60 positioned transversely of the machine. A bottom board C is placed on the disc 60, th batten G ttin into 2,287,121 the groove 12. The form 5, now loose on the shaft 4, i manually rotated from the position shown in Fig. 18 to the position shown in Fig. 17, so that the edge of the plate 88 is almost touching the bar I4 on the form 5, and the gate 6 is then manually moved to a vertical position, placing the bottom against the end of form and concentric therewith.

The hoop strip E is then put in position, the forward end passing through the guide 92. through the opening 80 in the guide 6|, into the grove 13 of the disc 60, and beyond and engaging the inner surface of the guide 6|. (See Fig.

- 22.) The hoop strip E is moved forward until its rear end engages the gauge block I98 (see Fig. 2) which correctly positions the hoop strip relative to the bottom C and the oscillatable stapler 8.

The wall sheet D is then placed on the table 1 with its side edge engaging the angle bar 86, and moved forward-until its forward end passes into the gripper I6 of the form 5 and strikes the abutment I5, as shown in Fig. 21. A portion of the forward end of the sheet D extends axially beyond the gripper bar I4 and the form 5 and overlies the edge of the bottom C and the inner hoop E, as shown in Figs. 5 and 24.

The operator then steps on the foot pedal 56 long enough for one staple I to be driven at 20l (see Fig. 22), which connects the bottom C and the hoop strip E to the wall sheet D at that point. Simultaneously with the driving of the staple I, the form 5 is rotated one step in the direction indicated by arrow 202, as shown in Fig. 21.

When the foot pedal 56 is initially depressed, at the beginning of a cycle of operation, the lever 5| is moved upwardly, which engages and rocks the pawl 22 to release the lever 21 and permit the shaft I8 to turn, to simultaneously engage the clutch 34, close the gripper jaws I6, and move the segment 29, of the disc members II and I2 of the form 5, outwardly. And, simultaneously with the movement of the lever 5|, the depression of the foot pedal 56 engages the clutch I65 which eifects a partial rotation of the form 5, the operation of the stapler 8, and the oscillation of the stapler supporting frame 96. Thus,

.after the initial depression of the pedal 56, the

form 5 has been locked to the shaft 4, one end of the sheet D has been attached to the form 5 by the gripper I6, the form 5 has been rotated one step and has come to rest, and. one staple I has been driven.

The outer hoop strip F is now put in position on the table I, with the forward end passing through the guide 89. The rear end of the strip F is moved back against the gauge block 203 (see Fig. 2), which movement correctly positions the strip so that'the forward end is spaced back from the edge of the sheet D the proper distance.

' The foot pedal 56 is again depressed, which effects the operation and oscillation of the stapler 8 and the rotation of the form 5. As the form 5 rotates, the sheet D is wound thereon and stapled to the bottom C, the operator releasing the pedal 56 at the completion of the winding and stapling operation. The box is then in the position shown in Fig, 18, with the overlapping ends of the wall sheet D on the upper side of the form 5 and directly beneath the stapler 9 and with a complete row of staples I driven through the wall D into the bottom C.

The box is now ready to have the overlapping ends of its wall D fastened together by the staples H, and the operator depresses the pedal the guide bar I49, whose sharp edge I50 engages the wall D, as shown in Fig. 18. The operator then depresses the foot pedal 46, which moves the lever 40 downwardly, which engages and moves the lever 2I, which rocks the shaft I 8 and eiiects the simultaneous disengagement of the clutch 34, the opening of the gripper I6, and the movement inwardly of the segments 29 of the discs II and I2 of the form 5. The opening of the gripper I6 releases the end of the wall sheet D so that the box may be moved" oif of the form 5. Simultaneously with the movement of'the lever 40, the depression of the foot pedal 46 engages the clutch I68, which effects alternately the operation of the stapler 9 to drive a staple H, and the movement of the plunger I30 to advance the box A intermittently. The pedal 46 is held down until all of the staples H have been driven andthe cheese-box has been moved off of the form 5.

The plunger I30 is restored to its original position by first depressing the pedal I46, which releases the pawl I34 from the ratchet teeth- I33 of the plunger rod, and then manually moving the plunger rearwardly.

When making the coverB for the cheese-box A, a form 204 is substituted for the form 5 used in making the cheese-box. (See Figs. 25 and 2'7.) The form 204 comprises a disc secured to the shaft 4 and provided with a peripheral rabbet 205 to receive the hoop L, and is recessed to receive the plunger I30. In making the cover B,

the top wall J is placed against the face of the form 204, with the batten fitting into a groove 206 in the plunger I39. The gate 6 cooperates with the form 204 to hold the top J in place. The inner hoop L and the .cover band K are guided onto the form in the same manner as the inner hoop E and the wall sheet D, respectively, of the cheese-box A. The oscillating stapler 8 drives a row of staples 0 into the cover B as the hoop L and the band Kare wound around the top wall J of the form 204. The stapler 9 drives one staple N into the overlapping ends of the band K to secure them together.

From'the foregoing, it will be seen that the entire container, shown and described, is made complete on a single machine. The body of the containerin this case, a cylindrical cheese-box is not removed from the machine untilthe cylindrical side wall structure, with a fixed bottom, is complete. Thereafter, on the same machine, the telescoping top cover for the box is made in the manner shown and described. If desired, the machine can be run steadily for the production of the cylindrical box bodies, in desired quantities, and thereafter the machine, readjusted as explained, can be run steadily for the making of the covers for said box bodies. In any event, the entire cylindrical container is made on one and the same machine, thus obviating the necessity of using two or more machines for the manufacture of containers of this kind. Since the body of the box and the top cover are similarly constructed, the term container as used herein and in the appended claims is to be understood as. including both the body of the box as shown in Fig. 26 and the cover therefor as shown in Fig. 27, and the term "bottom is to be understood as including the end C of the body and the end J of the cover. What is shown in Fig. 26, in other words, is a relatively deep container, while what is shown in Fig. 2'7is a relatively shallow container, each of \vhichhas abottom stapled therein and astapied side seam.

While the specific container shown and described is of the cheese-box type, it will be readily understood that the invention may be used for the production of other containers, for other purposes, without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, by changing the proportions of certain parts of the machine, a container having a longer cylindrical body, such as some of the well known cylindrical barrels, can be made, if desired.

The materials of the box or container are ordinarily wood veneer, or wood sheets or strips of suitable character, but any flexible materials can be used that will accommodate themselves satisfactorily to the various operations of the machine.

Of course, the battens G and M are not stapled in place on the said machine, as this is done elsewhere. However, it is true that the stapling of the bottom head in place, and the stapling of the side seam, are both done on one and the same machine.

Thus it will be seen that the round container shown and described is made by first rotating it about its axis, continuously, in order to staple the batten G and bottom C in place, and also to staple the hoop F in place, if a hoop is de sired, and that the machine is then operative to drive the staples H to fasten the side seam of the container. This stitching of the side seam, it will be seen, is done after the fastening of the bottom of the container in place, and in such a manner that the stitching starts at the bottom end of the container and progresses toward the top or open end of the container. The feeding movement of the container, axially, is preferably ment are provided, which are interchangeablewith parts of the machine, for the making of a cover for the container, so that the entire container, both the body thereof and the cover therefor, are made on one and the same machine.

Looking at Fig. 2 of the drawings, it will be seen that the staplers 8 and 9 converge to the axis of rotation of the container, when viewed in the direction of said axis, and hence that the machine has a plurality of staplers each arranged radially of said axis, so that all of the staples driven in the container are exactly radial to said axis thereof.

It will be seen, therefore, that an important feature of the invention is the provision of a plurality of staplers disposed in planes that converge to and intersect the axis of the rotary form on which the container is made, whereby each and every staple is radial to said axis, with at least some of said staples thus each inserted radially of said axis being arranged in a circular or endless row encircling the container. In addition, another important feature is the movement of the container axially and relatively to a stapler for the purpose of stapling a side seam, which may involve the insertion of only a single staple, as in making the head or cover section of a container, or which may involve the insertion of a plurality of staples as is necessary for stapling the side seam of the body section of a container.

As shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, the staplers 8 and 9 are in a plane that is transverse to the axis of the container, and the stapler 8 is maintained in an inclined position, as shown, so that the overhanging side of this inclined stapler is toward the materials that are in rotation on the rotaryform. By inclining the stapler 8 in the manner shown, clearance is provided to prevent interference with other parts of the machine, and in addition, each staple driven by this stapler is on an inclined line that intersects the axis of the rotary form, this stapler being maintained at the right hand side of the vertical plane of said axis.

This is a continuation of Newhouse application Serial No. 123,960, filed February 4, 1937, for Machinery for making containers.

By the term "container" is meant either the container body or the container cover, and in each case it is obvious that one transverse side of the cylindrical container is closed before the side seam of either the body or the cover is stapled together. In the body of the container it is the bottom wall that is put in first, before the side seam is stapled, whereas in the cover it is the top Wall which is put in first before the relatively shorter side seam is stapled.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. A machine for making a round container having a bottom and, side wall, comprising, in combination, a hollow s I aft, a rotary power driven member for rotating} said shaft, 8. container form loosely mounted on said shaft, means for holding a container on said form as it is being made, a first stapling mechanism arranged to drive staple into the side wall and bottom of the container during rotation of the form, means coupling said form to said shaft to cause said rotation, means operated by said shaft for operating said first stapling mechanism, said form having a section, means mounting said section for movement axially relative to the main portion of the form to engage the stapled bottom of a container and move the container axially of the form and finally strip the same therefrom, a rod extending through said hollow shaft and secured to said movable section of the form to thereby move said section, a second stapling mechanism arranged to drive staples into the side wall of the container during axial movement of the form, means operated by said rotary power member for actuating said second stapling mechanism, and means for simultaneously moving said rod axially of said shaft,

2. A machine for making a container having a bottom and side wall, comprising, in combination, a rotating form for forming the container and supporting the container while it is being made, means for rotating said form, said form having a section movable axially of the main portion of the form for moving the container axially of the form and stripping the same therefrom, means for intermittently actuating said section, a first stapling mechanism for driving staples into the side wall and bottom of the container supported on the form, means for moving the first stapler bodily in unison with the rotating form and container thereon'and means for actuating the staple driving means of the stapler during said movement of the stapler, means for returning said first stapling mechanism to normal position, a second stapling mechanism for driving staples into the side wall of the container as the latter is moved axially of the form, and means operating said second stapling mechanism between the intermittent movements of said section, so that the clutch and gripper are coordinated in their re spective functions.

3. A machine of the kind described, comprising, in combination, a rotary shaft, a rotary form secured to said shaft, a stripper arranged adjacent the end of the form, means for intermittently moving said stripper away from the end of the form, a first stapler, means for operating the same during rotary movement of said form, a second stapler, means for operating the same during movement of said stripper away from said form, a rotary power member means to connect nism and coordinated with said stripper operating means for operating the stapling mechanism by said shaft for stapling said longitudinal seam during a stripping operation, a gripper pivotally mounted on said form and arranged to rip and hold a sheet for forming the container, a clutch for locking said form to said shaft to effect rotation of the form, a handle for opening said member to said shaft and to said means for operating said first stapler, and means to connect said member to themeans for operating said second stapler and to the means for moving said stripper.

4. A structure as specified in claim 3, said means for actuating the stripper including a rotary and endwise moveable rod extending longitudinally in said shaft, and rotating in unison with said shaft which latter is tubular for that purpose, and means to actuate said rod endwise.

5. A structure as specified in claim 3, the said second stapler being disposed in an inclined position at one side of the vertical plane of said shaft.

6. A machine for making a round container having a bottom and side wall with a. longitudinal side seam, comprising a rotatable form for supporting the parts of the container while it is being made, means for rotating said form, a first stapling mechanism for driving staples into the side wall and bottom of the container during rotation of the form, said form including arcuate anvil means cooperating with said stapling mechanism for setting said staples, means operable in timed relation with said form rotating means to cause said stapling mechanism to successively drive staples during rotation of said form, means operable after said first stapler has finished its stapling operation to hold said form substantially stationary, a stripper movable axially with respect to said form for stripping the container from the form while the form is maintained substantially stationary, a second stapling mechanism cooperating with said anvil means for stapling said longitudinal side seam, and means for operating said second stapling mechanism and said stripper for stapling said longitudinal seam during a stripping operation.

7. A machine for making a round container having a bottom and side wall with a longitudinal side seam, comprising, a rotary shaft, a rotary power member for rotating the shaft, a rotatable form mounted on said shaft for supporting the container while it is being made, a first stapling mechanism for driving staples into the side wall and bottom of the container during rotation of the form, said form including arcuate anvil means cooperating with said stapling mechanism for setting said staples, means selectively operated'by rotation of said rotary shaft for operating said first stapling mechanism to successively drive staples during rotation of said form, means operable after said first stapler has finished its stapling operation to hold said form substantially stationary, a stripper movable axially with respect to said form for stripping the container from the form while the form is maintained substantially stationary, a second stapling mechanism cooperating with said anvil means for stapling said longitudinal side seam, means for operating said stripper, means cooperable with said shaft and said second stapling mechasaid gripper, and means connecting said handle to said clutch for simultaneously disengaging said clutch, to thereby permit stripping of the container and operation of said second stapling mechanism by said rotary shaft during stripping of the container from the form.

8. A machine for making a round container having a bottom and side wall with a longitudinal side seam, comprising, a rotary shaft, a rotary power member for rotating the shaft, a rotatable form mounted on said shaft for supporting the container while it is being made, a first stapling mechanism for driving staples into the side wall and bottom of the container during rotation of the form, said form including arcu-' ate anvil meanscooperating with said stapling.

mechanism for setting said staples, means selec-, tively operated by rotation of said rotary shaft for operating said first stapling mechanism to successively drive staples during rotation of said form, means operable after said first stapler has finished its stapling operation to hold said form substantially stationary, a stripper movable axially with respect to said form for stripping the container from the form while the form is maintained substantially stationary, a second stapling mechanism cooperating with said anvil means for stapling said longitudinal side seam, means for operating said stripper, meanscooperable with said shaft and said second stapling mechanism and coordinated with said stripper operating means for operating the stapling mechanism by said shaft for stapling said longitudinal seam during a stripping operation, a gripper pivotally mounted on said form and arranged to grip and hold a sheet for forming the container, a clutch for locking said form to said shaft to effect rotation of the form, a handle for opening ,said gripper, means connecting said handle to said clutch for simultaneously disengaging said clutch, to thereby permit stripping of the container and operation of said second stapling mechanism by said rotary shaft during stripping of the container from the form, and a spring for closing said gripper and engaging said clutch to lock said form to said shaft upon a succeeding operation.

9. A machine for making a round container having a bottom and side wall with a longitudinal side seam, comprising a rotatable form for supporting the parts of the container while it is being made, means for rotating said form, a first stapling mechanism for driving staples into the side wall and bottom of the container during rotation of the form, said form including arcuate anvil means cooperating with said stapling mechanism for setting said staples, means operable in timed relation with said form rotating means to cause said stapling mechanism to successively drive staples during rotation of said form, means operable after said first stapler has finished its stapling operation to hold said form substantially stationary, a stripper having an element pressable against the inside surface of said bottom wall for moving the entire container axially with respect to said form for stripping the container from the form while the form is maintained substantially stationary, a second stapling mechanism cooperating with said anvil means for stapling said longitudinal side seam, and means for operating said second stapling mechanism and said stripper for stapling said longitudinal seam during a stripping operation;

10.- In a machine for making a cylindrical container having a side wall and a flat head or end wall, means including a stapler for fastening the end wall in place, means including another stapler for fastening a longitudinal side seam together, ,means including an element pressing against the inside surface of said head or end wall to move the entire container axially, thereby to change the axial position of the side seam for a stapling operation thereon, said element having a rotary rod with annular rack teeth there on, and a pawl for engaging said teeth and actuating said red endwise to exert pressure against said end wall after the latter is stapled to the side wall, a rotary support on which the container slides axially to change the position of the side seam, and means holding said support against axial displacement from its normal position.

11. In a machine for making a cylindrical container having a side wall and a flat head or end wall, means including a stapler for fastening a longitudinal side seam together, an element for pressing against the inside surface of said head or end wall to move the entire container axially, thereby to change the axial position of the side seam for a stapling operation thereon, said element having a rotary rod with annular .rack teeth thereon, a pawl for engaging said teeth and actuating said rod endwise to exert pressure against said end wall after .thelatter is attached to the side wall, means for actuating said pawl a predetermined number of times depending upon the number of staples to be driven in the side seam, a rotary support' on which the container slides axially to change the position of the side seam, and means holding said support against axial displacement from its normal position.

12. A machine for making a round container having a bottom and side wall with a longitudinal side seam, comprising a rotatable form for supporting the parts of the container while it is being made, means for rotating said form, a first stapling mechanism for driving staples into the side wall and bottom of the container during rotation of the form, said form including arcuate anvil means cooperating with said stapling mechanism for setting said staples, means operable in timed relation with said form rotating means to cause said stapling mechanism to successively drive staples during rotation of said form, means operable after said first stapler has finished its stapling operation to hold said form substantially stationary, a stripper movable axially with respect to said form for stripping the container from the form while the form is maintained substantially stationary, a second stapling mechanism cooperating with said anvil means for stapling said longitudinal side seam, means for operating said second stapling mechanism and said stripper for stapling said longitudinal seam during a stripping operation, both of said stapling mechanisms being arranged adjacent the plane of said bottom, and means for supporting the stapling mechanisms in different planes radial to the axis of said container with said staplers converging towards said axis to drive radial staples in the container around said container and along said side seam.

13. A machine for making a tubular container having a longitudinal side seam comprising rotary forming means for winding and supporting the Wound container, said forming means including anvil means for setting staples, means for rotating said forming means to eliect a winding operation, means operable after said winding operation to hold said forming means substantially stationary, stripper means for engaging the container to move the latter axially with respect to said forming means while the formingmeans is maintained substantially stationary, means for operating said stripper means after said winding operation, a stapler cooperating with said anvil means for stapling said longitudinal side seam of the container, and means coordinated with the movement of said stripper means for operating said stapler to insert a predetermined number of staples in said side seam during said stripping operation.

14. A machine for making a tubular container having a longitudinal side seam comprising rotary forming means for winding and supporting the wound container, said forming means including anvil means for setting staples, means for rotating said forming means to eficct a winding operation, means operable after said winding operation to hold said forming means substantially stationary, stripper means for engaging the container to move the latter axially with respect to said forming means while the forming means is maintained substantially stationary, means for operating said stripper means after said winding operation, a stapler cooperating with said anvil means for stapling said longitudinal side seam of the container, means coordinated with the movement of said stripper means for operating said stapler to insert a predetermined number of staples in said side seam during said stripping operation, a shaft extending axially of said forming means for rotating the forming means, and said stripper operating means including means also operated by rotation of said shaft to cause said axial movement of said stripper means and the container.

15. A machine for making a tubular container having a longitudinal side seam comprising rotary forming means for winding and supporting the wound container, said forming means including anvil means for setting staples, means for rotating said forming means to effect a winding operation, means operable after said winding operation to hold said forming means substantially stationary, stripper means for engaging the container to move the latter axially with respect to said forming means while the forming means is maintained substantially stationary, means for operating said stripper means after said Winding operation, a stapler cooperating with said anvil means for stapling said longitudinal side seam of the container, means coordinated with the movement of said stripper means for operating said stapler to insert a predetermined number of staples in said side seam during said stripping operation, a shaft extending axially of said forming means for rotating the forming means, said stripper operating means and said stapler operating means including means also operated by rotation of said shaft for causing operation of the stapler and axial movement of the stripper means.

WALTER F. NEWHOUSE. 

